Artikel-artikel dari The Star

PUTRAJAYA: He may be the Prime Minister but Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi faced teasing like any other soon-to-be bridegroom.

At excellence award presentation ceremont at the Internal Security Ministry, where Abdullah is also the Minister, the usually solemn event was full of laughter and applause at the mere mention of Abdullah and his impending marriage.

The ministry staff made a beeline to the beaming Prime Minister to wish “Selamat Pengantin Baru”.

The ministry’s secretary-general Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yusoff “teased” his minister, saying that he had to ask Abdullah on the right pronunciation of his future wife’s name, saying the French way of pronunciating Jeanne was too difficult for the “Malay, Chinese, Indian tongues of Malaysians”.

“Datuk Seri then told me that it is okay to pronounce it as Jean (Jeanne),” he said.

Aziz said he had received a circular from the Chief Secretary to the Government to inform that after the akad nikah ceremony, the Prime Minister’s wife would be addressed as Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.

“On behalf of the ministry’s staff, I would like to congratulate the Prime Minister on his marriage. We wish he and his partner joy and happiness,” he said.

Aziz also dedicated two pantuns to the Prime Minister:

Mentari Menyinar Bulan Bercahaya

Tanda Gembira Menerima Berita

Pak Lah Bahagia Kami Pun Suka

Selamat Sejahtera Sepanjang Masa

Teman Berbicara Bergurau Senda

Wanita Dicinta Puan Jeanne Abdullah

Kepada Allah Kami Berdoa

Bahagia Gembira Bersama Pak Lah

The Prime Minister on Wednesday announced that he will marry Jeanne, 53, on Saturday at a private ceremony to be held in Seri Perdana, which will only be attended by close relatives.

The akad nikah ceremony is expected to be held at about 2.30pm, after the Zohor prayers.

Abdullah lost his wife, Datin Seri Paduka Endon Mahmood to breast cancer on October 20, 2005.

The couple has two children, Datuk Kamaluddin and Nori.

Jeanne was the sister-in-law of Endon and has two daughters, Nadiah and Nadene.

In his speech, Abdullah hoped that he and his future wife would live happily and harmoniously, and thanked the ministry’s staff as well as the public, for their well wishes and congratulatory messages.

“I will bring my wife along for future ministry functions and you all will be able to meet her then,” he said.

This was followed by a resounding applause from the audience.

On a more serious note, the Prime Minister said with the pay hike, civil servants no longer need to worry about “not making enough” for their family and should concentrate more in increasing the quality of their work.

“I want civil servants to concentrate on giving high quality service where their work is in order and done in an efficient manner so that customers are satisfied.

“Remember that our responsibility is to facilitate and not frustrate,” he said.

The Prime Minister also reminded civil servants that customers must be entertained and their queries must be looked into, adding even if they were not front liners, they should help their colleagues to deal with customers, especially during peak periods and if there was insufficient staff.

“Customers do not need to know that your colleagues are on leave or are sick. They want service and attention and that is what they should get,” he said.

Jeanne’s daughters happy for her marriage to Pak Lah

KUALA LUMPUR: Nadiah and Nadene, the daughters of Jeanne Abdullah, are happy that their mother and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who is also their uncle, would be married on Saturday.

Nadiah, 29, said two good people have managed to find each other and the most important thing was they are happy and would be able to look after each other and keep each other company.

The daughters, on behalf of their mother, also thanked family, friends and the public for their warm wishes and blessings.

“We are very grateful for all the support,” said Nadiah who runs a visual communications company in Kuala Lumpur.

Nadene, 27, is involved in the fashion industry, dealing with fashion-related and lifestyle projects.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced on Wednesday the marriage which would take place at the prime minister’s official residence “Seri Perdana” and to be attended by close relatives. – Bernama

A Brunei debut for Jeanne

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s future wife Jeanne Abdullah may accompany him to the wedding of the Sultan of Brunei’s daughter this month.

According to an officer at the Prime Minister’s office, if she attends the function, it will be the first time the new first couple appear in public together after their marriage.

His new wife is also expected to accompany Abdullah on his official trip to Russia, Bosnia and Italy later this month.

After the akad nikah (solemnisation of marriage vows), which will take place at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Seri Perdana in Putrajaya tomorrow, Jeanne shall be referred to as Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.

The Prime Minister, who announced his impending marriage on Wednesday, said only close family members would attend the event.

Jeanne, 53, was the sister-in-law of Abdullah’s late wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood. She has two daughters Nadiah and Nadene.

Endon died on Oct 20, 2005 after a long battle with breast cancer.

Abdullah, 67, has two children, son Kamaluddin and daughter Nori, from his marriage with Endon.

In Kepala Batas,the general sentiment of people from Abdullah’s hometown was that every man needs a woman in his life.

Magazine shop owner K.K. Abdul Muthaliff, 81, said it was high time Abdullah had a partner, after losing both his wife Datin Seri Paduka Endon Mahmood and mother Datuk Kailan Hassan.

“As a teenager, when Abdullah used to buy magazines at my stall, I remember him as a handsome young man with several admirers,” he said.

Clerk Lee Pai Ling, 34, said Jeanne had sweet features and was a suitable match for Abdullah.

“I am glad the age difference between Abdullah and his bride is not that big. At least they will be able to share common interests and communicate much better,” she said.

Student Noor Athirah Mansor, 18, hoped Pak Lah would introduce his bride to the people here.

PM speaks to reporters about his weekend marriage and bride-to-be

By IZATUN SHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi chose Jeanne Abdullah to be his future wife because they are compatible and they love each other.

“She can take care of me and she can be my companion. That is most important,” the jovial Prime Minister told a packed press conference after the official opening of SMIDEX 2007 and Small and Medium Enterprises Convention here yesterday.

Abdullah, who will marry Jeanne in a private ceremony at Seri Perdana on Saturday, was also asked whether they had “chemistry”. He replied laughingly: “Dah… bincang itu pulak? (Sigh … why go into that?)”

Abdullah, who was smiling and laughing throughout the press conference, described his future wife as down-to-earth, caring and friendly.

Can’t stop smiling: A happy Abdullah at the launch of SMIDEX 2007 at KLCC yesterday.

“Kak Endon (the late Datin Seri Paduka Endon Mahmood) loved her. Otherwise she would not have asked her to manage our official residence,” he added.

Asked when he first knew Jeanne and how long they had known each other, Abdullah said: “Maybe at least 20 years. She is actually part of the family. She is Kak Endon’s sister-in-law. She was married to her younger brother but they separated more than 15 years ago.”

On when he started falling in love with Jeanne, he blushed and said: “Just recently.”

Pressed further whether he had been in love for over a year, he replied: “Less than one year.”

Asked to clarify whether the rumours that the late Endon had asked him to marry Jeanne before she passed away, he replied: “Kak Endon tak adalah kata wasiat. (The late Endon did not bequeath such as wish).”

He said neither was there any message or recommendation.

On when he proposed to Jeanne and whether it was on bended knee, he said: “I wish I can remember. I’m trying to remember when it was.”

To a question whether his life would be more meaningful with Jeanne as his wife, he said: “How can it not be meaningful? That is God’s will. A woman completes a man.”

Asked to comment about his love for his late wife as compared to his future wife, he said: “My love for Endon will remain as strong as ever. Then, I fell for this one. I believe God has created in your heart many spaces for different people that you can love as much as you want.

“You can love your wife. You can love your mother. But you never compare. How can you compare your love for your mother and the love for your wife? God has created the capacity for us to love and to develop relations. That’s important.

“Endon’s pictures will remain where they are. I will never forget her. Those are lasting memories. It’s all right if I want to add Jeanne to it,” he quipped, as the journalists roared with laughter.

Asked why it took so long for him to announce the marriage and why he had brushed off the issue as rumours when asked by reporters earlier, he said the speculated dates of his marriage were wrong which was why he said it was rumours.

“Anyway, it has to take some time. I have to consult my children and ask my siblings. Then, I have to find the time. I was also always busy running around here and there.”

Love is in the air: The Prime Minister was all smiles yesterday after the announcement that he will marry Jeanne Abdullah (above) on Saturday.

Abdullah said he was happy and grateful to Allah that his children and siblings had approved of his choice.

He said his daughter Nori’s relationship with his future wife was good and his siblings had no problems with Jeanne.

“She (Nori) accepts it. Otherwise, it will not go on.”

On why he chose Saturday for the akad nikah, he said: “Saturday is a holiday. It will be easy for people to come.”

He said only close family members would attend the ceremony.

“It will be very simple. No need for too many gifts. It will be far simpler than my first marriage.”

Asked where he would go for the honeymoon, he chuckled and said: “I haven’t planned yet. I have to discuss with the person concerned .”

On whether he would address Jeanne as “darling,” he said :”Why are you asking this? One day you will hear it. Next time when you hear me calling her you will know.” At the press conference though, he used the French pronuncation for her name.

On whether he would hold a bersanding ceremony, he said: “There won’t be one. It’s an old couple marrying.”

He said he had yet to plan for a wedding reception for friends.

Abdullah said he had informed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong about his marriage yesterday morning and later announced it to the Cabinet ministers before issuing a statement to the media.

“Let the people know. There is nothing to hide,” he said, adding that he hoped that the public would pray for the harmony of his marriage.

“A happy Prime Minister can do a lot of good work. I’m not saying I’ve not been happy so far, but I’m happier with a companion now,” he added cheekily.

Earlier, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz congratulated Abdullah on his upcoming marriage on behalf of the participants of SMIDEX and the convention.

The bride-to-be, Jeanne, 53, was born in Kuala Lumpur and is the eldest of four siblings.

She had worked at several major hotels in the city, including KL Hilton and Pan Pacific Hotel.

Jeanne had served as a supervisor at the Deputy Prime Minister’s official residence and also as manager of the Seri Perdana complex.

She has two daughters from her previous marriage – Nadiah and Nadene.

The Prime Minister lost his wife Endon on Oct 20, 2005 after a two-year battle with breast cancer.

The couple has two children, Datuk Kamaluddin and Nori.

PM speaks to reporters about his weekend marriage and bride-to-be

By IZATUN SHARI

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi chose Jeanne Abdullah to be his future wife because they are compatible and they love each other.

“She can take care of me and she can be my companion. That is most important,” the jovial Prime Minister told a packed press conference after the official opening of SMIDEX 2007 and Small and Medium Enterprises Convention here yesterday.

Abdullah, who will marry Jeanne in a private ceremony at Seri Perdana on Saturday, was also asked whether they had “chemistry”. He replied laughingly: “Dah… bincang itu pulak? (Sigh … why go into that?)”

Abdullah, who was smiling and laughing throughout the press conference, described his future wife as down-to-earth, caring and friendly.

Can’t stop smiling: A happy Abdullah at the launch of SMIDEX 2007 at KLCC yesterday.

“Kak Endon (the late Datin Seri Paduka Endon Mahmood) loved her. Otherwise she would not have asked her to manage our official residence,” he added.

Asked when he first knew Jeanne and how long they had known each other, Abdullah said: “Maybe at least 20 years. She is actually part of the family. She is Kak Endon’s sister-in-law. She was married to her younger brother but they separated more than 15 years ago.”

On when he started falling in love with Jeanne, he blushed and said: “Just recently.”

Pressed further whether he had been in love for over a year, he replied: “Less than one year.”

Asked to clarify whether the rumours that the late Endon had asked him to marry Jeanne before she passed away, he replied: “Kak Endon tak adalah kata wasiat. (The late Endon did not bequeath such as wish).”

He said neither was there any message or recommendation.

On when he proposed to Jeanne and whether it was on bended knee, he said: “I wish I can remember. I’m trying to remember when it was.”

To a question whether his life would be more meaningful with Jeanne as his wife, he said: “How can it not be meaningful? That is God’s will. A woman completes a man.”

Asked to comment about his love for his late wife as compared to his future wife, he said: “My love for Endon will remain as strong as ever. Then, I fell for this one. I believe God has created in your heart many spaces for different people that you can love as much as you want.

“You can love your wife. You can love your mother. But you never compare. How can you compare your love for your mother and the love for your wife? God has created the capacity for us to love and to develop relations. That’s important.

“Endon’s pictures will remain where they are. I will never forget her. Those are lasting memories. It’s all right if I want to add Jeanne to it,” he quipped, as the journalists roared with laughter.

Asked why it took so long for him to announce the marriage and why he had brushed off the issue as rumours when asked by reporters earlier, he said the speculated dates of his marriage were wrong which was why he said it was rumours.

“Anyway, it has to take some time. I have to consult my children and ask my siblings. Then, I have to find the time. I was also always busy running around here and there.”

Love is in the air: The Prime Minister was all smiles yesterday after the announcement that he will marry Jeanne Abdullah (above) on Saturday.

Abdullah said he was happy and grateful to Allah that his children and siblings had approved of his choice.

He said his daughter Nori’s relationship with his future wife was good and his siblings had no problems with Jeanne.

“She (Nori) accepts it. Otherwise, it will not go on.”

On why he chose Saturday for the akad nikah, he said: “Saturday is a holiday. It will be easy for people to come.”

He said only close family members would attend the ceremony.

“It will be very simple. No need for too many gifts. It will be far simpler than my first marriage.”

Asked where he would go for the honeymoon, he chuckled and said: “I haven’t planned yet. I have to discuss with the person concerned .”

On whether he would address Jeanne as “darling,” he said :”Why are you asking this? One day you will hear it. Next time when you hear me calling her you will know.” At the press conference though, he used the French pronuncation for her name.

On whether he would hold a bersanding ceremony, he said: “There won’t be one. It’s an old couple marrying.”

He said he had yet to plan for a wedding reception for friends.

Abdullah said he had informed the Yang di-Pertuan Agong about his marriage yesterday morning and later announced it to the Cabinet ministers before issuing a statement to the media.

“Let the people know. There is nothing to hide,” he said, adding that he hoped that the public would pray for the harmony of his marriage.

“A happy Prime Minister can do a lot of good work. I’m not saying I’ve not been happy so far, but I’m happier with a companion now,” he added cheekily.

Earlier, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz congratulated Abdullah on his upcoming marriage on behalf of the participants of SMIDEX and the convention.

The bride-to-be, Jeanne, 53, was born in Kuala Lumpur and is the eldest of four siblings.

She had worked at several major hotels in the city, including KL Hilton and Pan Pacific Hotel.

Jeanne had served as a supervisor at the Deputy Prime Minister’s official residence and also as manager of the Seri Perdana complex.

She has two daughters from her previous marriage – Nadiah and Nadene.

The Prime Minister lost his wife Endon on Oct 20, 2005 after a two-year battle with breast cancer.